Are Industrial Products Stocks Lagging W.W. Grainger (GWW) This Year?

W.W. Grainger (GWW) has gained 23.5% year-to-date, outperforming the Industrial Products sector average of 13.3%. The company holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with improved analyst sentiment, as consensus earnings estimates have risen 1.7% in the past quarter. MSC Industrial (MSM) has also outperformed with a 47.1% year-to-date gain and a similar Zacks Rank #2 rating.